Search a 'crucial battleground' for protesters

Category: Search

February 28th 08, 09:02

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is making its presence felt in the world of campaigns and protests.

As Marks & Spencer finds the first page of its Google search populated with a Boycott Israel site, the Times observes that search engines are ideal vehicles for the work of pressure groups.

Describing the web as a "key battleground" between charities and their targets - be they the government or corporations - it is claimed that both paid search and natural search can act as weapons in this regard.

Brands are able to complain to Google about campaigns using paid search to win a place next to searches bearing their trademarks, but organic SEO is described as a lucrative tactic.

And social networking is boosting the collective potential of the internet even further, according to the publication.

"The boom in social media websites such as Facebook is making it even easier for individuals to collaborate in groups and to spread their message outside their community," it notes.

A recent article in E-consultancy advised companies not to shy away from bad news about their brand as incorporating such information into sites can create a more trusting user experience.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.

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